A compensation order may be made at a later date, after Wylie's finances have been properly investigated.

Judge Ashurst told the mum, who was crying and shaking throughout the hearing: "It is surprising to see someone like you in the dock of a criminal court.

"You are someone who has been highly regarded, you have worked hard during your life and you were holding a responsible position at the surgery in South Hylton."

The judge said it was clear Wylie had taken on "too much" at a time, when she had mounting personal pressures and her marriage was breaking down.

Judge Ashurst told her: "The pressures built up on you and, when a refund to the surgery in the internal accounting in the NHS was being processed, you kept for yourself just over £11,000.

"You have lost your good character."

The judge added: "There is no evidence that loss had any direct effect upon the patients of that surgery."

The court heard Wylie has been assessed as posing a low risk of criminal offending in future.

Yvonne Taylor, defending, said Wylie has since found employment as a senior administrator at another doctors surgery and was able to provide references to the court about her ordinarily very positive character.

Miss Taylor added: "She is absolutely devastated at her actions.

"She is extremely remorseful."

A statement from South Hylton Surgery after the case said: "We are aware of today’s proceedings and have worked closely with the police as they carried out their enquiries.

"As medical professionals we would like to reassure our patients that this case has not affected the services we provide, and our focus remains very much on providing a quality service to our community."